Pink Sands and Friendly Folks
Written: Mar 01 '02
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: My Favorite Destination on the Planet
Cons: Too Expensive to Live There
The Bottom Line: I heartily recommend Bermuda - it's my favorite place on Earth
|
|
|
| kayakin's Full Review: Bermuda |
I first visited Bermuda when the US base (created by the Lend-Lease Program of World War Two) was in commission. It has since been turned over to the Bermuda government - to the dismay of many military folks and politicians for whom Bermuda was a favorite destination. For two consecutive years I was able to spend two weeks there, spending my spare time snorkeling near the NASA tracking facilities on the eastern end.
Bermuda is not an island; rather, it is many islands of varying size (some miles long, some barely large enough for a small cottage) linked by bridges or boat. It is a land of lush foliage, pastel-colored houses, pink sand, and startlingly clear water. A brief glance at a marina will show small boats floating over their shadows on the sandy bottom - the sailboats' keels are clearly visible under their hulls.
In 2000, I took my family to Bermuda on Celebrity Cruise Line's Zenith. It was a wonderful trip, with a wonderful destination. We spent two nights in Hamilton, and one night in St. Georges. This itinerary permitted us to walk to many points of interest, and Bermuda's excellent bus system served us well. We also found the taxis to be reasonable.
Bermuda recognizes the financial benefit that tourism can provide, but does not permit tourism to significantly alter the local flavor. The number of cruise ships permitted is limited, and no cruise ships are permitted to dock over the weekend. After all, it's the weekend, and the workers in the tourism business are also entitled to a little time off.
Over recent years, the number of air travelers has decreased somewhat, to the point that the tourism-related businesses have suffered slightly. Cruise ship passengers have less of an impact on the local economy because they do not use local lodging, and in many cases, dine aboard their ships. For this reason, Bermuda has been evaluating its potential role as an offshore banking center. In 2000, a number of initiatives were underway to revitalize the economy.
Bermuda is an excellent destination for folks who are looking for a safe haven - 99% of the country is completely safe at any time of the day or night - just beware of a few back streets in Hamilton, where some drug trafficking is reported to take place late at night.
The Bermudians are very proper, and of course, very British. I have not seen a more courteous people. It's an excellent first trip abroad for an American, because everyone speaks English. However, Bermuda is also versatile enough and visually spectacular enough to warrant follow-up visits - and many attractions are available.
You can swim with dolphins, snorkel or scuba dive on the wrecks that dot the reefs that surround Bermuda. Bermuda is the most northern point on Earth at which coral grows... coral requires sunlight and warm water. Bermuda was formed by volcanic action, and is surrounded by shallow water - and is located in the Gulf Stream, which keeps the surrounding water warmer than most of the Atlantic.
The famous pink sand is actually ground-up coral, an has been formed by wave action over the centuries.
Bermuda offers many famous liquours, including the "Dark 'n Stormy", which is the primary reason that tourists shouldn't rent mopeds. Coral is used as a building material in Bermuda, and spills on those roads can result in extremely painful injuries. If you're not experienced with mopeds, I don't recommend learning in Bermuda (the roads are narrow, and you must remember to drive on the other side of the road!).
It's a charming spot - but unfortunately far beyond my price range. If you aren't a Bermudian, you can only purchase specific properties there - the most expensive 5%. Bermuda doesn't have a great deal of acerage, and the intent is to preserve the culture as it is. Consider the damage done to Oahu when so much land speculation took place - many native-born Hawaiians can barely afford to live there, and crime on Oahu runs rampant.
The website www.bermuda.com offers a comprehensive preview, and can point you toward local accommodations - you can even listen to a Bermudian radio station online.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
kayakin
|
|
Location: Alexandria, VA, USA
Reviews written: 10
Trusted by: 4 members
About Me:
Mensa member with Electronics, Quality Assurance, Information Technology background. Well-read and traveled.
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.